Other Elective Courses

Grade: 10 -12           Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: U7819             PEIMS: 03580400

Prerequisite: None

Recommended: Graphic Design or Fine Arts course

Endorsement: None

QP - 10

UT Course Code: AET 304

(Upon successful completion of this course, the student will have an opportunity to receive RISD credit for graduation and college credit from the University of Texas.)

This course presents a broad overview of digital media technologies, software, and applications along with the fundamental concepts of digital representations of images and signals. Students study an assortment of entertainment concepts or experiences, discover the underlying technology involved, and learn how this technology is delivered to the participant. In pursuit of answers to such questions, students also consider the cultural, philosophical, ethical, and practical aspects of entertainment technology.

Grade: 10 -12           Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 9112                 PEIMS: N1130026

Prerequisite: None

Endorsement: Multi

Advanced course

QP - 10

This foundational course is the first of two courses and provides students with opportunities to think critically and creatively, research, explore, pose solutions, develop arguments, collaborate, and communicate using various media. Students explore real-word issues through a cross-curricular lens and consider multiple points of view to develop deep understanding of complex issues as they make connections between these issues and their own lives. Students read articles, research studies and foundation/philosophical texts; listen to and view speeches, broadcasts, and personal accounts; and experience artistic and literary works to gain a rich appreciation and understanding of issues. Teachers have the flexibility to choose appropriate themes that allow for deep exploration based on student interests, local and civic issues, global or international topics, and concepts from other AP courses.

Grade: 11 -12            Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 9113                 PEIMS: N1100014

Prerequisite: AP Seminar – Capstone

Endorsement: Multi

Advanced course

QP - 10

AP Capstone is an innovative diploma program from the College Board that equips students with the independent research, collaborative teamwork, and communication skills that are increasingly valued by colleges. AP Capstone is built on the foundation of two AP courses – AP Seminar and AP Research – and is designed to complement and enhance the in-depth, discipline-specific study experienced in other AP courses. In AP Seminar, students investigate real-world issues from multiple perspectives, gathering and analyzing information from various sources to develop credible and valid evidence-based independent research to produce and defend a scholarly academic paper.

Grade: 9 - 10        Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 9115 – 9th   PEIMS: N1290051

       9116 – 10th BHS ONLY  N1290052

Prerequisite: None

Endorsement: None

Students in this course will be able to study and prepare for college entrance exams, from TSIA as freshmen to SAT and ACT as sophomores. This will prepare the student to enroll in advanced courses such as dual credit, AP, and OnRamps.

Grade: 9 - 10              Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 9093 – am      

             9097 – pm

Prerequisite: based on courses taken

Endorsement: based on courses taken

Dual Credit courses – both academic and CTE – allow high school students to simultaneously earn high school and college credit courses at the Richland College campus. While some courses are offered in the morning (first three periods of the high school academic day), others will be offered in the afternoon (last three periods of the high school academic day). All courses on the Richland College campus will include Richland College students. These courses are tuition free; however, students must purchase textbooks for courses being offered on the Richland campus. Students, along with their counselors, must register for these courses directly with Richland College. A TSI qualifying score is required for the dual credit classes unless it is a CTE course. See Advanced Learning Services (Instructional Guidelines page) for TSI exemptions and assessment scores.

Grade: 9 - 12               Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 9101 – 9th         PEIMS: N1290001

       9102 – 10th                       N1290002

       9103 – 11th                       N1290030

       9104 – 12th                       N1290033

    * 9106 – PTECH 1 – 9th   N1290001

  ** 9121 – University 9      N1290001

  ** 9122 – University 10    N1290002

Prerequisite: Application and acceptance into AVID, concurrent enrollment in at least one Advanced, AP, OnRamps, Honors or Dual Credit course

Endorsement: None

The AVID class addresses key elements in college preparation: academic survival skills, college entry skills, tutorials, motivational activities, and career and college exploration.  Additionally students will improve their oral communication skills through presentation and Socratic Seminar, participate in writing to learn activities, including note taking, learning logs, essay writing, and prepare for college entrance examinations.

*AVID PTECH 1 is available to 9th grade students at LHHS and PHS ONLY

** AVID University 9 is available to 9th grade students and AVID University 10 is available to 10th grade students at Berkner High School STEM Academy ONLY.

Grade: 11-12        Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 9071           PEIMS: N1290050

       M9071 BHS Magnet ONLY

Prerequisite: Seniors with approval from Principal

Endorsement: None

College and Career Readiness Prep course is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to be active and successful learners in future college and career endeavors. Students will examine learning strategies that are proven to lead to academic success such as goal-setting, effective time management, handling stress, note-taking, active reading, test-taking strategies (PSAT/SAT/ACT), and conducting research. This course provides the means and training for students to research financial scholarships and grant opportunities, complete applications and explore technical schools, colleges, and universities. This course will help students meet post-secondary educational opportunities.

Grade: 12             Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 1035           PEIMS: CP110100

         1036 - Innovative

Prerequisite: None

Endorsement: B&I, Multi

Advanced course

Purpose: Texas HB 5 (section 28) – Each school district shall partner with at least one institution of higher education to develop and provide courses in college preparatory mathematics and English language arts.

This course is designed to increase the college readiness of current high school students in English Language Arts. This course covers the ten Student Learning Objectives (SLO’s) as defined by the state of Texas for indicating college readiness in English (Integrated Reading and Writing). In addition, this course aligns with the Texas College and Career Readiness Standards (CCRS) in the areas of writing, reading and research. This course is also in compliance with multiple Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for English Language Arts and Reading, specifically English III and English IV.

Grade: 12            Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 3124          PEIMS: CP111200

Prerequisite: None

Endorsement: STEM, Multi

Advanced course

Purpose: Texas HB 5 (section 28) – Each school district shall partner with at least one institution of higher education to develop and provide courses in college preparatory mathematics and English language arts.

This course is designed to increase the college readiness of current high school students in Mathematics.

Grade: 11 - 12          Credit: 0 – full year

RISD: 9074                 

Prerequisite: Enrollment in 3 or more AP and/or Dual Credit Courses

Endorsement: None

In preparation and support for AP and Dual Credit courses, self-motivated students may take this course to assist with study time. Students will be assigned to a teacher and/or computer lab to work on multiple advanced courses.

Grade: 9 – 12            Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: PE5337 – (1) 9-12      PEIMS: PES00004

       5401 – (2) 10-12                        03160200

       5402 – (3) 11-12                        03160300

       5403 – (4) 12                                      03160400

Prerequisite: None

Endorsement: PS

Army JROTC focuses on the development of better citizens and leaders in an interactive environment.  Students learn to appreciate ethical values, develop leadership potential, think logically, and communicate effectively both orally and in writing.  While learning to be members of a team, the student also learns about the importance of physical fitness and will develop mental management abilities.

Grade: 10-12            Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 9001                PEIMS: N1290010

Prerequisite: Application, teacher recommendation and interview

Endorsement: None

This course is designed for high school sophomores, juniors and seniors who are presently in leadership positions or who aspire to these positions. These students have excelled in academic performance and have demonstrated some leadership abilities in their school career. Students will be given training and practice goal setting, project planning, team building, and evaluation to help them develop their potential as leaders.

Grade: 11-12       Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 9002          PEIMS: 85000902

Prerequisite: Application, teacher recommendation and interview, course 9001

Endorsement: None

This course does not count toward graduation or GPA – it does appear on the student’s AAR

This course is designed for high school juniors and seniors who are presently in leadership positions or who aspire to these positions. These students have excelled in academic performance and have demonstrated some leadership abilities in their school career. Students will be given training and practice goal setting, project planning, team building, and evaluation to help them develop their potential as leaders.

Grade: 12             Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 9013 - (3)   PEIMS: 85000903

       9014 - (4)                   85000904

Prerequisite: Application, teacher recommendation and interview, course 9002

Endorsement: None

This course does not count toward graduation or GPA – it does appear on the student’s AAR

This course is designed for high school seniors who are presently in leadership positions or who aspire to these positions. These students have excelled in academic performance and have demonstrated some leadership abilities in their school career. Students will be given training and practice goal setting, project planning, team building, and evaluation to help them develop their potential as leaders.

Grade: 11 - 12           Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 9114                 PEIMS: N1290024

Prerequisite: Application/acceptance into Peacekeepers

Endorsement: None

Peacekeepers is a curriculum driven mediation program which trains students in all aspects of the mediation process. Mediators will implement a campus-wide mediation program as their field practicum. Positive peer influence through nonviolence will be a central strategy for addressing issues such as conflict resolution, anger management, negative attitudes toward school, etc.

Grade:12                     Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 9119                 PEIMS: N1290025

Prerequisite: Peacekeepers 1

Endorsement: None

Peacekeepers 2 incorporates ass the TEKS of Peacekeepers with an emphasis on promoting and sustaining campus and learning community mediation programs. Peacekeepers 2 students are equipped to provide training support for their JH/Elementary mediation programs. Positive peer influence through nonviolence will be a central strategy for addressing issues such as conflict resolution, anger management, negative attitudes toward school, etc.

Grade: 11 - 12           Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 5535                 PEIMS: N1290005

Prerequisite: Application/acceptance into PALS

Endorsement: None

This course is a program in which high school students selected by their peers and school staff are trained to work as peer facilitators with students on their own campus and in learning community elementary schools. Students are trained in a variety of helping skills which will enable them to assist other students in having a more positive and productive school experience. The course provides practical knowledge and skills for addressing dropouts, substance abuse, violence prevention, depression, absenteeism, and other areas of concern.

Grade: 12                  Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 5536              PEIMS: N1290006

Prerequisite: PALS 1

Endorsement: None

PALS 2 incorporates all the TEKS of PALS 1 with emphasis on helping and mentoring. Students are placed in their learning community schools to serve as mentors and role models for identified students. Transportation will be arranged prior to the placement. Contact is restricted to school. This course provided practical knowledge and skills as well as actual field experience for students potentially interested in helping professions.

Grade: 9-12                            Credit: .5 - one semester

RISD: 5538       PEIMS: N1290203

Prerequisite - None

Endorsement - None

Supportive Peer Relationships is designed to promote meaningful social inclusion and create accepting school environments. Students with disabilities are given a space to develop confidence, foster independence, and improve their social skills through their interactions with their non-disabled peers. Peer assistants obtain initial training in confidentiality, cueing, prompting, and positive reinforcement to be used with the students with special needs that they will be working with. With the guidance of their peer assistants, disabled students can discover new strengths and abilities that help them find joy and fulfillment. Likewise, peer assistants experience growth in their understanding and empathy that carries outside the classroom. In this inclusive environment, students will create a relationship among age-appropriate peers of different abilities, both socially and academically, that will last long beyond the classroom time.

Grade: 9-12                            Credit: .5 - one semester

RISD: 5540       PEIMS: N1290204

Prerequisite - None

Endorsement - None

Supportive Peer Relationships is designed to promote meaningful social inclusion and create accepting school environments. Students with disabilities are given a space to develop confidence, foster independence, and improve their social skills through their interactions with their non-disabled peers. Peer assistants obtain initial training in confidentiality, cueing, prompting, and positive reinforcement to be used with the students with special needs that they will be working with. With the guidance of their peer assistants, disabled students can discover new strengths and abilities that help them find joy and fulfillment. Likewise, peer assistants experience growth in their understanding and empathy that carries outside the classroom. In this inclusive environment, students will create a relationship among age-appropriate peers of different abilities, both socially and academically, that will last long beyond the classroom time.